Rue Morgue Examines the Dead Hooker Situation in Saskatoon

RUE MORGUE
A publication exclusively devoted to horror in culture and entertainment. Also features cinema, store, archives, events and general information. Rue Morgue is a Canadian magazine dedicated to covering "horror in culture and entertainment," taking its name from Edgar Allan Poe's short story "The Murders in the Rue Morgue."

As a pair of Canadian horror nerds, it's hard to describe the feeling of pride and accomplishment that comes from having the opportunity to speak to the folks of this legendary, great publication. This feeling was made even grander when April Snellings approached us with interest on writing about the censorship and banning issue that arose when Tom Hutchinson of The Roxy Theater in Saskatoon decided to remove the previously approved Dark Bridges Film Festival because the title of our film - 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk' - was too offensive. Despite the fact that he never bothered to even watch the film.

It’s been said that twice is a coincidence, but three times is a trend. If that’s the case, Rue Morgue readers have probably noticed a disturbing pattern in recent months, with horror films being pulled from theaters (Hatchet II), confiscated and banned (A Serbian Film, L.A. Zombie), and even used as a basis for obscenity charges (the short films of Montreal-based FX artist Remy Couture).

The latest kerfuffle is relatively small-scale, but no less troubling. Earlier this month, a scheduled double feature of indie horror flicks Dead Hooker in a Trunk and The Taint was booted from its Saskatoon venue when an anonymous caller phoned the theatre to complain about the posters that advertised the event (see the offending poster at right). Accusations of misogyny were thrown about, even though one of the films was made by women and features an ass-kicking female protagonist. The caller insisted that it was inappropriate to screen such films in Saskatoon – probably a reference to a string of prostitute murders in and around the city.

I've heard the theater make statements saying that they would have preferred this being kept a private matter and that just adds to the absurdity we are coming face to face with. There is a ratings board that agrees upon material then rates a film accordingly. If a viewer is not interested in seeing a particular movie, then they can choose not to see it. But to have someone else make that decision for film goers by their own sense of taste is outrageous. But it didn't stop there, Tom Hutchinson also pulled Canadian-made HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN a few days after the backlash of pulling DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK.

“I’m amazed how far this has gone without any of the concerned parties actually watching or looking into the film,” said Sylvia. “To title a film Dead Hooker in a Trunk and to make that film be a blatant disrespect to the title character would be absurd for any artist – especially for a pair of female filmmakers who started to create their own work because of frustrations with the poor representation of women often seen in film. There is a lot of over-the-top, almost anime-style violence throughout the film, but I didn’t want there to be a single laugh when [the title character] dies. It’s a very humanizing and sad sequence because the fact that this woman’s life was so heartlessly stolen from her was the driving force behind the events that unfold in the film.”

There are so many stories in the news about filmmakers - cast and crew - getting unfair treatment because of their creative work. If we stand by and allow this kind of behavior to go unchecked, then this trend of self-appointed censors making ill-informed decisions on what we can and can not see. Films that are a satire are being judged as if they are not. Artists that create gore and bodies for film are being charged with being 'morally corrupted'. Festival programmers are being charged for showing films about harsh subject matter. These are all reflections of things that actually take place in our world, but it seems it is the artist who wants to get into these matters through their work that is being condemned for the material and the real life issues go swept under the carpet.


This is an extremely important issue today. Whether you are a horror fan or not - that's not the issue - the issue is that self-appointed censors are making uneducated attacks on art and they are getting away with it. This is a masterfully written piece that interviews all parties involved - we: twisted twins, John Allison: the programmer of the Dark Bridges Film Fest, Drew Buldoc: the filmmaker behind THE TAINT, and even Tom Hutchinson: the man from the Roxy Theater with the ban-happy brain waves. Please take the time to read the article and share it with your friends. I would imagine that many people would be shocked to learn about these events taking place in their own backyards.


Today, DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK will be playing at the Dark Bridges Film Festival that was given a venue by the wonderful team working at the Broadway Theater in Saskatoon. To add to their free thinking mentality and maybe because they are proud ti be Canadian, they will also be showing HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN at their theater. Seems a little strange that all this actually happened over a title, a poster, and no one watched the films before condemning them, but it did happen. It will continue to happen as long as we as a society allow it to happen.


I want to thank April for taking the time to really get into the nitty gritty of this issue with her extraordinary article. I am saddened by the turn of events by the Roxy Theater, but I am so grateful and honored to have had so many wonderful people from all walks of life stand up against this injustice and do their part in making a stand.

There may be a few people who are very far from 'getting it' or even accepting that something bigger is going on here, but there is an army of educated, free-thinking, eloquent individuals who see an injustice and do something about it. Thank you for turning what could have been very sad into something that has given me a lot of faith in the future.

Now, if you're in the area, head on over to the Broadway Theater and be ready to have some fun. The Dark Bridges Film Fest happens today and I hope everyone in attendance has a wonderful time! This became more than a festival to check out independents and I thank everyone who has supported the films and the festival through these unfortunate circumstances.

~Sylv

Yahoo News Knows The 'Dead Hooker' Blues

Slasher flicks aren't getting much respect from Canadian theatre chain Magic Lantern Cinemas, based on its decision not to screen three movies in Saskatoon, based on titles and posters alone.

"Dead Hooker in a Trunk," a satirical low-budget grindhouse film directed by identical Vancouver twins Jen and Sylvia Soska, had its April 22 screening, sponsored by the Dark Bridges Film Festival, cancelled by the Roxy Theatre.

This is the beginning of the article about the banning of our film in Saskatoon as reported by Yahoo News. When I first heard about a theater banning 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk', I thought the issue would be quickly remedied after the film was looked into or the backstory or the press the film has garnered or the filmmakers behind the film. But no. The banning decision by Tom Hutchinson of The Roxy Theater stands firm much to the surprise of.. well, free society.


It doesn't end there, as this seems like a situation where one bad decision now must be paired with more poor decisions. If only the man could be accountable for his error in judgment, but no, instead he is flapping like a chicken thrown into a river trying to stay afloat. What's next on Tom Hutchinson's tirade against freedom of expression through the arts?

Another critically acclaimed Canadian grindhouse film has apparently been caught in the crossfire, as the Roxy also cancelled a booking of "Hobo With a Shotgun," with the official explanation there wasn't enough public interest to bother with a second-run screening based on recent box office grosses from the Cineplex Odeon Centre Cinemas.

A reporter from the Saskatoon StarPhoenix, who was suspicion of the timing, noted 90 people on Facebook expressed a desire to attend "Hobo With a Shotgun" at the Roxy.

By contrast, just two people attended a second-run Roxy matinee of "Black Swan."

This is beyond revolting. It's a very exciting time for Canadian cinema with all these new creative voices coming out and having their own brand of Canadian entertainment. Jason Eisener's HOBO WITH A SHOTGUN is a triumph in originality and storytelling. It is appropriate for everyone. No. But that's why the rating system is in place.

I am shocked that Tom Hutchinson is being allowed to do this. It's complete and utter horse shit. Click here to read the whole expository piece by Yahoo News.


What is being forgotten here is that Canada is not always known for its cinema. American made films seem to have almost a monopoly on what is made and what is released and what teams are being hired.

It is such a cool time to see Canadian-made films by Canadian teams that show that we can make good films too. We have unique voices too. It's so backwards that it is sickening that those grand accomplishments have been overlooked because they are not the things that are being focused on.


A very sad day for Canada indeed.

~Sylv

Late Night With Hooker Jokes

I hate to beat a dead horse - it's just inappropriate behavior for a lady - but as I watch my Late Night entertainment, I find a final point I'd like to leave the whole 'banning Dead Hooker in a Trunk in from playing at the Roxy Theater in Saskatoon over the film's title without ever watching the film' debacle with.


Letterman and Conan both open their internationally seen late night shows with a monologue - both hosts using a 'hooker' joke tonight on April 14th, 2011. Two different jokes both involving hookers.

No raised eyebrows. No gasps of derogatory language use. Just laughs and applause. Because this is material that while edgy - hence the late night time slot which is the movie equivalent to say an 18+ rating - it is worldwide completely accepted humor for adults to laugh at if they choose to do so.

"At the heart of the First Amendment is the recognition of the fundamental importance of the free flow of ideas. Freedom to speak one's mind is not only an aspect of individual liberty but essential to the quest for truth and the vitality of society as a whole. In the world of debate about public affairs many things done with motives that are less than admirable are nonetheless protected by the First Amendment."

- Alan Isaacman, THE PEOPLE VS LARRY FLYNT

I know this is Canada and the case in the above mentioned film was an American case, but we really aren't that different when it comes to freedom of expression. Thank you to all the people that realized that and stood up for our film.

~Sylv

A Happy Ending

Gore~geous comic strip by our beloved and dear friend Joel "Ratman" Wells. Brilliant and chalk full of cheeky. Just the way we like it.

Rome wasn't built in a day. We are saddened by what happened with the Roxy Theatre, but are quite happy that the people who want to see this film won't be denied it. Thank you, Broadway Theatre. And thank you, Ratty, for your incredible support throughout.

XO,
Jen

The Broadway Theatre Welcomes in Dead Hooker In A Trunk Despite the Controversy

Some of you may have noticed that we just changed the venue to The Broadway Theatre. We will now be screening both of these two movies at the original stated time and date (April 22 at 11:30pm). Even though we ran into a snag we still love the Roxy Theatre as much as we did before but we are extremely happy that The Broadway is willing to support us.

- Dark Bridges Film Festival

The level of class and dignity that John Allison and The Dark Bridges Film Festival have shown in the face of such ignorance in the banning of their films from the Roxy Theater - courtesy of Tom Hutchinson - is inspirational. The fact that the film was banned on title alone without anyone naysayer even bothering to watch the film or look into the background of the incredible team that made it still sickens me. I feel very sorry for those too close-minded to see their own levels of misinformation, but today is a new day and 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk' shall play.



Let there be Canadian-made indie horror for everyone to enjoy and have a good time - because that is what we are here for and why the film was made!

Now if you are even close to the area, I implore you in light of recent events, please come and see the film. Anonymous callers, you too, are more than welcome. Once you actually see the film - you will see why so many have stood by it to have it screened. This is a case of a book being judged wrongly by its cover. Huge thanks to those who used their joined voices to stand beside our film and freedom of expression through the arts --

Jennifer Cooper's petition to get the banning overturned.

Heidi Honeycutt of FanGirlTastic who wrote a brutally honest and perfectly crass (why do women always have to apologize for language? I applaud hers, because she always knows how to get people talking) piece about the real dead hookers and ours.

Spooky Sean's open letter to the Roxy Theater and their stance on the film. Awesome as fuck.

Joel 'Ratman' Wells' piece on the banning on the film and the sheer lunacy of this censorship.

Zach Schildwachter and the most gracious team at the Bloodsprayer who have been there to get the word out about the film, now they're here to make sure people know the real facts behind the film and this censorship.

Alyse Wax of Feardotnet, What The Fear and her excellent piece articulating the pure ridiculousness of the accusations against the film and the reason behind the ban.

Dr. Gore of the Horror Society and Chad Clinton Freeman where they discuss the banning in details with an alternative - the Pollygrind would love to have us back.


I would like to thank Nia Edwards-Behi and Adam Williams of the Abertoir Film Fest, Andrew Rose of DOA Bloodbath Entertainment, everyone who signed the petition, wrote their own letters, and used education in hopes of clearing up an emotionally charged situation.

No one likes to hear someone else dictate what they can and can not see. At the same time, when there are real life homicides that are going unresolved with the problem not showing any signs of remedy - I'm not surprised that people are frustrated. What they should be is frustrated with their own municipalities for not taking this issue seriously, rather than directing that anger at a film that - believe it or not - actually gives dignity and humanity to the title character.

I will leave you with a clever quote posted by Simon Nisbet on the petition wall -

"What is freedom of expression? Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist."

- Salman Rushdie

For more information on this screening please click here. Again, because the drama that has arisen in the community about this screening, please do try to make it out. We would love to have you all there to properly represent the film and film goers.


I'd like to end with this, the grace and the class that you have handled yourselves with is beyond commendable. The general public has a very misguided view on horror, hence, a 'horror film' often loses merit before any further investigation into the project is done. I have seen countless treads and posts where people have stood by the film using logical conversation to try to educate about this field and this particular film. I can't thank you enough for your noble efforts.

People assume the horror community is made up of stupid, vile people - it's very nice to have this opportunity to show them just how wrong they have been.

~Jen and Sylv

DHIAT Censorship Controversy hits The Star Phoenix

Our story has hit the local news. If you haven't heard about all the fuss surrounding a double billing screening of our beloved DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK alongside THE TAINT through Dark Bridges Film Festival's John Allsion being banned and canceled by the Roxy Theatre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, you, my friend, must have spent the weekend under a rock.

But fear not, you can read about it here, as our story hit the local news.

Though the "anonymous" folks who protested the screening decided, in the true nature of anonymity, to not talk to the press, though I imagine they would have been more than free to remain anonymous, both sides of this argument were heard.

Allison believes the backlash is related to the Roxy's location in Riversdale.

"I don't want it to be about Riversdale. I had complaints of How could you put 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk' and 'Kill women' in Riversdale when there's so much violence against women in Riversdale.' That's the wrong way to look at this type of stuff for me," Allison said. "Violence is wrong, whether it's in Riversdale or elsewhere. We're perpetuating this myth that Riversdale is a bad area."

Allison said he understands why violence is a sensitive topic and why people might be offended by the poster, but he wants to encourage debate rather than outright censorship.

Though I sympathize with the murders anyone anywhere, regardless of their profession and given labels, I feel this was a mistake on behalf of the theatre and that our film has been used unfairly to voice outrage over how prostitutes and their murders in the area have not been taken seriously by the local law enforcement. This film is so much more than a unconventional title. It is a testament to independent and Canadian film. People should be allowed to choose to see the film or not.

But they should be given the choice.

~ Jen

Ripped Posters, The Aftermath of the Banning of 'Dead Hooker in a Trunk' by the Roxy Theater in Saskatoon

Sole surviving poster. Hope she's still up tomorrow. Probably not.

Torn poster. Ignorance couldn't rip through heavy duty tape.

More destroyed posters. The sad reality that people take things for surface value rather than what's actually there in front of them. Ironically, the film is facing the same-close mindedness from these individuals as the people they are 'protecting' do.

The more things change the more they stay the same
The more things change the more they stay the same
The more things change the more they stay the same
The more things change the more they stay the same

-Bon Jovi, lyrics from The More Things Change

My sincerest and most heartfelt apologies to John Allison for all this misdirected community outrage. After reading account after account of authorities 'not taking the problem seriously' in regards to actual murder victims, I am surprised that these efforts are being focused on the creative expression of independent artists rather than where it actually belongs.

Actually, not surprised. Just deeply saddened.

~Sylv

Controversy Strikes in Saskatoon over Dead Hooker In A Trunk Screening

The Dark Bridges Film Festival is pretty damn incredible. Dark Bridges Film Festival is Saskatchewan's premiere showcase of cool independent and foreign genre films. In 2009 Dark Bridges celebrated its launch with the Saskatchewan Premiere of Grace and the Canadian Premiere of Ink along with four short films. In 2010 the first full festival was held which showcased 12 Feature films: Centurion, Dawning, El Monstro Del Mar!, Werewolf Fever, High School, Death of the Dead, [REC], [REC 2], Long Pigs, A Film With Me In It, Black Field as well as the The Good, The Bad, The Weird. In addition, 7 Saskatchewan short films and 20 World short films received their Saskatchewan Premiere at the festival.

The Second Annual Dark Bridges Film Festival runs October 13th through 16th, 2011. Plans for this year's festival include an extra night of films as well as an afternoon discussion session.

It is an incredible honor that our film, DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK, will be playing this month, courtesy of Dark Bridges Film Festival, at the beautiful Roxy Theatre as a Double Feature with the TAINT on April 22nd at 11:30pm. We have been so happy to have the film appear at film festivals across the world, but it fills us with special pride to show the film in our beautiful Canada.

But not all is well in Saskatoon. The Roxy Theatre received an anonymous phone call a few days prior where an unidentified woman stated she was embarrassed for Saskatoon and couldn't believe that they would show a movie with that title after all stuff that went on in Vancouver with missing Prostitutes. She didn't leave her name or a number for call back. To be honest, it isn't the first or I imagine the last time that we will receive this kind of a call.

But what has happened now disgusts me. Someone took it upon themselves to rip down the festival posters from the main drag in town.

Officially, I have this to say:

"I am shocked and saddened that someone in this day and age could be so closed minded about the mere title of a film. Without attempting to research the film in the slightest, they rushed to judgment and condemned something that in fact should be something that Canadians should be very proud of. 'Dead Hooker In A Trunk' is a little independent film made by a couple of Canadians that has, despite all odds and challenges, been seen world wide in a multitude of film festivals, won critically praise, honors, and awards, and has shown the world that Canadians are big time contenders in the film industry and their work deserves to be paid attention to."

Additionally, I have this to say. This is a disgusting display of ignorance. Canada is the land known as the strong and the free. I feel that censorship is bullshit and breeds ignorance. We've worked so hard to bring the film to where it is and to have someone in our own country vandalize our posters is an act of absolute cowardice.
If this upsets you as much as it upsets us, help us out and spread the word. This kind of behavior is intolerable, absolutely shameful, and, dammit, so very not Canadian. If you're in Saskatoon, please come out and show your support for DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK. Say it loud and say it proud.

And please help spread the word. I will keep you posted on how things unfold. It now looks likely that the event will be canceled. I think this is unacceptable. How about you guys? You can call the Roxy theatre at (306) 955-8642 and tell them that you support DEAD HOOKER IN A TRUNK.

Yes, we can, boys and grrls. Thank you for supporting independent film and freedom of speech.

~Jen